Expo wins praise from around the world

The 128th China Import and Export Fair, held online from Oct 15 to Oct 24, has won praise from participants for being a timely boost to global trade amid the COVID-19 outbreak and an effective platform to connect sellers and buyers.

Some 26,000 exhibitors have showcased more than 2 million products during the 10-day period at the flagship trade event, better known as the Canton Fair.

“The Canton Fair enables us to demonstrate in full what we have achieved in smart home solutions and to attract the attention of global buyers,” said Zhang Qingfu, vice-president of Haier Overseas Electrical Appliance Industry. “This was an opportunity to accelerate our digital transformation to support the dual circulation development model and global trade.”

Zhang Peigen, deputy Party secretary of Jiangsu Suho International Group Corp, said, “The virtual Canton Fair has given fresh impetus to the global market, which has given us hope and more confidence.”

Fujian-based Fashion Flying Group has been participating in the Canton Fair since its 93rd edition.

Chen Geng, chairman of the company’s board, said Fashion Flying Group’s growth has been dependent on the fair.

“Organizing the fair as usual amid the COVID-19 outbreak has provided us with valuable business opportunities,” Chen said.

Buyers participating in the 128th Canton Fair have also commended the event for being an informative and flexible channel of communication.

Teresa Wat, minister of international trade and minister responsible for the Asia-Pacific strategy and multiculturalism of British Columbia, Canada, said the Canton Fair is an expo of global renown and an important platform for Canadian companies to buy quality Chinese products.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to slow the global economy, the virtual Canton Fair helped Canadian buyers break down geographical barriers to support its post-COVID economic recovery, she said.

Marco Bettin, secretary-general of the Italy-China Chamber of Commerce, said the Canton Fair has provided a platform for businesspeople looking to conduct business in China. He added that Italian and Chinese traders are in need of a platform like the Canton Fair amid COVID-19.

Gustavo Casares, president of the Ecuador-China Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber has taken Ecuadorian buyers to attend the Canton Fair for more than 20 consecutive years. Casares said moving the fair online enables Ecuadorian companies to conduct business with well-established Chinese enterprises despite the physical distance.

A representative of United States-headquartered Harbor Freight Tools said companies can find the contact information of suppliers online and start negotiation on their own terms. Information about companies and their products available on the expo’s website is also detailed and highly accessible, the representative added.

A buyer from Colombia said the exhibits at the Canton Fair are rich in variety and reliable in quality.